Afrika katika Muziki: How a Dakar Exhibition Celebrates 30 Years of Black Musical Legacy
DAKAR — In a dimly lit gallery at the Musée des Civilisations Noires in Dakar, Senegal, the faces of Africa’s most iconic musicians gaze out from the walls, their expressions frozen in moments of performance, protest, and profound artistry. The exhibition, Afrika katika Muziki (Swahili for “Africa in Music”), is more than a retrospective—it is a living archive of three decades of Black musical history, captured through the lens of Cameroonian photographer and journalist Samuel Nja Kwa.
Running until June 2026, the exhibition features 60 portraits of artists from across Africa and its diaspora, spanning genres from jazz and blues to Afrobeat and traditional griot storytelling. The images, a mix of black-and-white film and digital color, trace the evolution of African music as both an art form and a tool of resistance, cultural preservation, and global influence. For Nja Kwa, whose career has documented the continent’s creative pulse for over 30 years, the project is a culmination of a lifelong journey to honor the voices that have shaped Africa’s sonic identity.
“These musicians are not just entertainers; they are storytellers, historians, and activists,” Nja Kwa told attendees at the exhibition’s vernissage earlier this month. “Their music carries the weight of our struggles, our joys, and our dreams. This exhibition is my way of ensuring their stories are not forgotten.”
The Photographer Behind the Lens: Samuel Nja Kwa’s Journey
Samuel Nja Kwa’s work has long bridged the worlds of journalism and visual art. Born in Cameroon, he began his career as a reporter before turning his focus to photography, where he found a medium that could capture the raw emotion and cultural depth of Africa’s musical icons. His earlier projects, such as the Route du Jazz series, which traveled to over 20 countries between 2006 and 2019, established him as a chronicler of Black music’s global diaspora. Venues like the Centquatre-Paris in France, the Durban Art Gallery in South Africa, and the Institut Français in Johannesburg have all hosted his work, which often explores the intersection of music, identity, and social change.
Afrika katika Muziki builds on this legacy, offering a curated selection of portraits that reflect Nja Kwa’s deep relationships with his subjects. The exhibition’s title, drawn from Swahili, underscores the pan-African spirit of the project, emphasizing the shared musical heritage that transcends borders. “Music is a universal language, but it is also deeply personal,” Nja Kwa said. “Through these images, I wanted to demonstrate how African musicians have used that language to connect with the world—and with each other.”
A Visual Archive of Black Musical History
The exhibition’s 60 portraits are arranged thematically, grouping artists by era, genre, and cultural impact. Visitors are greeted by the towering presence of legends like Miriam Makeba, the South African singer and civil rights activist whose voice became a symbol of anti-apartheid resistance, and Manu Dibango, the Cameroonian saxophonist whose 1972 hit “Soul Makossa” introduced Afrobeat to global audiences. These figures share space with contemporary stars like Burna Boy, whose fusion of Afrobeats and dancehall has dominated global charts, and Angelique Kidjo, the Beninese singer and four-time Grammy winner whose work spans traditional West African rhythms and modern pop.
One of the exhibition’s most striking features is its juxtaposition of past, and present. Portraits of late icons like Papa Wemba, the Congolese rumba legend, hang alongside those of living artists such as Youssou N’Dour, Senegal’s most famous musical export, and Fatoumata Diawara, the Malian singer-songwriter whose blend of Wassoulou music and modern folk has earned her international acclaim. The effect is a dialogue across generations, where the voices of the departed seem to echo through the work of those who carry their legacy forward.
“When you walk through the exhibition, you’re not just seeing individual artists—you’re seeing a continuum,” said Alune Wade, the Senegalese bassist and composer whose portrait is featured in the show. “The music of Africa is a living thing, and it evolves, but it never loses its roots. That’s what Samuel’s work captures so beautifully.”
Music as Resistance, Memory, and Language
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Afrika katika Muziki is a testament to the role of music in African society. Many of the artists featured in the exhibition have used their platforms to address social and political issues, from colonialism and apartheid to gender inequality and economic injustice. The exhibition’s curatorial texts, which include quotes from figures like Tony Allen, the Nigerian drummer and co-founder of Afrobeat, and Oumou Sangaré, the Malian singer and women’s rights advocate, reinforce this narrative.
“Music is our weapon,” reads one quote attributed to Allen, who collaborated with Fela Kuti to create the Afrobeat genre. “It’s how we fight, how we heal, and how we remember.” This sentiment is echoed in the work of artists like Tiken Jah Fakoly, the Ivorian reggae musician whose lyrics challenge political corruption, and Rokia Traoré, the Malian singer whose music blends traditional Bamana sounds with contemporary themes of exile and belonging.
The exhibition also highlights the diasporic connections that have shaped African music. Portraits of artists like Salif Keita, the Malian “Golden Voice of Africa,” and Seun Kuti, the Nigerian saxophonist and son of Fela Kuti, underscore the genre’s global reach. Keita’s albinism and his advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities, for example, have made him a symbol of resilience, while Kuti’s work continues his father’s legacy of using music as a tool for political activism.
Why This Exhibition Matters Now
At a time when African music is experiencing unprecedented global popularity—thanks in part to the rise of Afrobeats, amapiano, and other genres—Afrika katika Muziki serves as a reminder of the deep cultural roots that underpin this moment. The exhibition arrives as streaming platforms and social media have amplified African artists’ reach, with acts like Wizkid, Davido, and Tiwa Savage collaborating with global superstars and topping international charts. Yet, as Nja Kwa’s work demonstrates, this visibility is not new; it is the latest chapter in a long history of African musicians shaping global culture.
“What we’re seeing today is the result of decades of work by artists who refused to be silenced,” said Baba Maal, the Senegalese singer and guitarist, whose portrait is featured in the exhibition. “This exhibition is important because it shows where we’ve approach from—and where we’re going.”
The Musée des Civilisations Noires, which opened in 2018 as a space dedicated to celebrating Africa’s cultural heritage, is an apt home for the exhibition. The museum’s mission—to challenge stereotypes and reclaim Africa’s narrative—aligns with Nja Kwa’s own goals. By presenting these portraits in a space that celebrates African history, the exhibition invites visitors to engage with music not just as entertainment, but as a force for social change.
What’s Next for Afrika katika Muziki
While Afrika katika Muziki is currently on display in Dakar, there are plans to accept the exhibition on tour. Nja Kwa has hinted at potential stops in Europe and the United States, where diaspora communities have shown strong interest in the project. In the meantime, the Musée des Civilisations Noires is hosting a series of events tied to the exhibition, including panel discussions with musicians, film screenings, and live performances. The next scheduled event, a conversation with Alune Wade and Rokia Traoré on the future of African jazz, is set for May 15, 2026.
For those unable to visit Dakar, the museum has launched a virtual tour of the exhibition, allowing global audiences to explore the portraits and accompanying texts online. Nja Kwa has also expressed interest in publishing a book based on the project, which would expand on the exhibition’s themes with additional essays and interviews.
Key Takeaways from Afrika katika Muziki
- A Living Archive: The exhibition features 60 portraits of African musicians, spanning 30 years of history and multiple genres, from jazz and blues to Afrobeat and traditional griot music.
- Pan-African Focus: The title, Afrika katika Muziki (Swahili for “Africa in Music”), reflects the exhibition’s celebration of the continent’s shared musical heritage and its global diaspora.
- Music as Resistance: Many of the featured artists have used their music to address social and political issues, from colonialism and apartheid to gender inequality and economic injustice.
- Generational Dialogue: The exhibition juxtaposes legends like Miriam Makeba and Manu Dibango with contemporary stars like Burna Boy and Angelique Kidjo, creating a visual conversation across eras.
- Cultural Preservation: The project aligns with the mission of the Musée des Civilisations Noires, which aims to challenge stereotypes and reclaim Africa’s narrative through art and history.
- Global Reach: While currently on display in Dakar, the exhibition is expected to tour internationally, with potential stops in Europe and the United States.
FAQ: Afrika katika Muziki
Who is Samuel Nja Kwa?
Samuel Nja Kwa is a Cameroonian photographer and journalist known for his work documenting African music and culture. His previous projects include the Route du Jazz series, which traveled to over 20 countries, and exhibitions at venues like the Centquatre-Paris and the Durban Art Gallery.
What does Afrika katika Muziki mean?
The title is Swahili for “Africa in Music,” reflecting the exhibition’s focus on the continent’s musical heritage and its global influence. Swahili was chosen to emphasize the pan-African spirit of the project.
Which artists are featured in the exhibition?
The exhibition includes portraits of over 60 artists, including legends like Miriam Makeba, Manu Dibango, and Papa Wemba, as well as contemporary stars like Youssou N’Dour, Burna Boy, and Angelique Kidjo. A full list of featured artists is available on the Musée des Civilisations Noires website.
How long will the exhibition run?
Afrika katika Muziki is on display at the Musée des Civilisations Noires in Dakar until June 2026. The museum has not yet announced specific dates for its international tour.
Can I visit the exhibition virtually?
Yes, the Musée des Civilisations Noires has launched a virtual tour of the exhibition, allowing global audiences to explore the portraits and accompanying texts online.
What events are tied to the exhibition?
The museum is hosting a series of events, including panel discussions, film screenings, and live performances. The next scheduled event is a conversation with Alune Wade and Rokia Traoré on May 15, 2026. Details are available on the museum’s agenda.
The Future of African Music
As Afrika katika Muziki continues to draw visitors in Dakar, it serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of African music. In an era where streaming algorithms and viral trends often dictate what the world listens to, Nja Kwa’s exhibition offers a counterpoint—a celebration of the artists who have shaped the continent’s sound for generations, and whose influence continues to resonate far beyond Africa’s shores.
“This exhibition is not just about the past; it’s about the future,” Nja Kwa said. “The musicians we honor here are the ones who paved the way for the global success of African music today. Their stories deserve to be told, and their voices deserve to be heard.”
For those in Dakar, the exhibition runs until June 2026 at the Musée des Civilisations Noires. For everyone else, the virtual tour and upcoming international tour offer a chance to experience this remarkable tribute to Africa’s musical legacy. As the next generation of African artists continues to break barriers, Afrika katika Muziki stands as a testament to the power of music to inspire, unite, and transform.
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